Space and Perspective

Space The visual element that refers to the area between, around, above, below and within objects. Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte, Georges Seurat, 1884-1886

What is Perspective? In drawing and painting perspective is a way of creating 3D space on a 2D support. Types of perspective include: Size variation Foreshortening (overlapping shapes) Varying color Detailed vs. Non-detailed Linear perspective Size variation- Things that are closer will appear larger and things that are further will appear smaller. Foreshortening-This is when you layer shapes on top of each other to create a sense of depth. Simplified overlapped shapes will make a specific object look shorter, hence the word foreshortening. Varying Color- In a landscape, for example, the sky get warmers as it nears the horizon line and the land gets cooler as it nears the horizon line. Detail- Objects that are closer to the viewer will have more visible details as opposed to object that are further away. Linear perspective- Linear perspective is a mathematical system for creating the illusion of space and distance on a flat surface. Here, lines are used to create a 3D atmosphere. We will talk more specifically about this as we move on.

What Types of Perspective are Exemplified?

What Types of Perspective are Exemplified?

Linear Perspective Lines and vanishing points that are used to create a 3D space on a 2D support. Linear perspective developed in Florence, Italy in the early 1400s. Renaissance painters strived to show linear perspective in their works. Raphael Sanzio, The Betrothal of the Virgin,1504, Oil on panel

One Point Perspective Horizon Line Vanishing Point (focal point) On a horizon line where orthogonal lines seem to disappear. It can sometimes be the focal point. Horizon Line- Usually separates the earth from the sky. It also represents the viewer’s eye level. Vertical Lines- Lines that run up and down. They are perpendicular to the horizon line. Orthogonal Lines Horizontal Lines Orthogonal Lines- Lines that run towards the vanishing point. They disappear when they touch it. Horizontal Lines- Lines that run side to side. They are parallel to horizon line. Vertical Lines

Where is the Vanishing Point? Where are the Horizontal Lines? Where is the Vanishing Point? Where are the Vertical Lines? Where are the Orthogonal Lines? Where is the horizon line?

Below and Above the Horizon Line

Which Two Boxes aren’t Drawn in Perspective?

Examples Found in Life VANISHING POINT HORIZON LINE ORTHOGONAL LINES

Ask students to note how the horizontal lines of the colonnade and the sides of the pool seem to converge in a single point. Explain that the lines create linear perspective in the photo and that the point where the horizontal lines seem to meet is called the vanishing point. Main peristyle garden and façade, Getty Villa, Malibu, California.

Your Assignment: One Point Boxes Draw six boxes using linear perspective. Draw two boxes above the horizon line, two boxes on the horizon line and two boxes below the horizon. You will need: Paper Ruler Pencil Eraser To pay attention as we complete the first box together!

Linear Perspective: Two Points Like one point perspective, two point perspective is used to create a 3D atmosphere on a 2D support with lines. The difference is that two point perspective has TWO vanishing points as opposed to one! In two point perspective the sides of the object vanish to one of two vanishing points on the horizon. House by the Railroad by Edward Hopper, 1925

Two Point Perspective Vanishing Point (focal point) Horizon Line Orthogonal Lines Vertical Lines

Another Example!

Your Assignment: Two Point Boxes Draw six boxes using linear perspective with TWO vanishing points. Draw two boxes above the horizon line, two boxes on the horizon line and two boxes below the horizon. You will need: Paper Ruler Pencil Eraser (maybe) To pay attention as we complete the first box together!

Your Assignment: Step Three OPTION 1 Draw your ideal room using one point perspective. (one vanishing point) Include all the things you would need to make that room perfect for you! Show objects above, on top and below your horizon line.

Your Assignment: Step Three OPTION TWO: Depict a cityscape or landscape using two point perspective (two vanishing points) Include buildings, trees, people and everything else you may encounter in the city or out in nature. Be creative! Show objects above, on top and below your horizon line.